Fairbridge

Although Fairbridge’s colourful history began in 1912, there are milestones still occurring today that will continue to go down in history.The charity has just branched out even further in its work with young people. For the first time, trainees and an apprentice are helping to cater for the many families and groups who visit the historical Fairbridge Village.

One commercial cookery apprentice and two hospitality trainees have been employed and all say they are grateful for an experience that they “never thought they would get”.
Trainee Cameron Meek said if he hadn’t been offered the traineeship he would probably be “at home on the couch” or “on drugs or something”. Apprentice Cherro Kirkup said he had messed up in a previous opportunity and was happy that an organisation such as Fairbridge had given him a second chance. “I like it here, it’s a very supportive learning environment where I can build on my skills and ask for help when needed,” Cherro said.

Fairbridge chef trainer Kristina Mutlow said the apprenticeship and traineeship positions gave the young people career goals and ambitions they had never before had.
“Many of our young people come to Fairbridge and graduate in something for the very first time,” she said. “That’s what we’re hoping will be the case with our new chefs in training. We try to give young people wrap-around support to ensure they realise their potential. ”I try and instil passion into the trainees - it is not just about becoming a chef, it is about becoming the best you can be,” she said.

Fairbridge is a popular venue that hosts hundreds of functions each year, including weddings, school and church camps, reunions and corporate events - all of which the trainees and apprentice will be cooking for.

The young people will learn in a live setting to prepare them for their future in the hospitality industry.  Fairbridge’s new hospitality employees are funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations’ STEP program and Tourism WA.